14-YO Bodybuilder With Dyslexia Aims to Become Youngest IFBB Pro, Looking to Break Arnold’s Previously Held Record

How early is too early to start bodybuilding? Well, 14-year-old Athanasius Lee from Singapore began bodybuilding when he was 12. Now, the 14-year-old bodybuilder desires to step into the realm of professional bodybuilding. Seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger, a legend of the sport, achieved that milestone at 20. 

Bodybuilding prodigy Anton Ratushnyi broke Arnie’s long-standing record in 2023. Ratushnyi became the youngest IFBB Classic Physique competitor and got his pro card at 19. Teen bodybuilder Lee dreams of beating Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ratushnyi despite suffering from dyslexia. 

Athanasius Lee fell in love with training in the gym years after watching fitness content creators online. During an interview with CNA, the Secondary 3 student revealed that natural bodybuilder and influencer Jesse James West inspired him. Now, “Lifting and content creation are my only hobbies…” said Lee.

“My whole life (revolves) around the gym,” said the talented bodybuilder. Athanasius Lee trains under two-time Mr. Singapore winner Adrian Tan. The youngster has built an impressive physique in just two years and has amassed 648,000 followers on Instagram. Adrian Tan also speaks highly of his protégé.

“This is the new generation of awesome… The start of great things to come” said the coach. Lee’s parent supported their son in his endeavor and said that bodybuilding helped their dyslexic son find discipline. The 14-year-old bodybuilder described his training as “therapeutic.”

Lee also credits the gym for improving his mental health. School can be especially tough for children suffering from dyslexia. “After a long day in school, I find it helps me to take my stress away,” said the bodybuilder aiming to become the youngest IFBB Pro. However, beating Arnold Schwarzenegger’s previous record is no easy task.

The bodybuilder has to along way to go

Arnold Schwarzenegger also started training in his teens. However, unlike Ratushnyi or Lee, he didn’t get support from his parents. His family battled poverty, and Arnie had to handle his finances and bodybuilding dreams. However, despite the challenges, he became the youngest Mr. Universe in history at 20.

Meanwhile, Anton Ratushnyi earned his pro card at the 2023 NPC National Championships in Texas, USA. Ratushnyi broke Arnie’s record, which stood for 57 years. However, the Austrian Oak still holds the distinction of becoming the young Mr. Universe. So, Athanasius Lee has roughly four years to break Ratushnyi’s new record.

While the 14-year-old from Singapore is motivated, with a bodybuilding champion as a trainer and supportive parents, becoming the youngest IFBB Pro will be a tall task. That being said, the young youngster seems to have no room for doubt in his mind. Do you think he’ll become the youngest IFBB pro? Let us know in the comments.